Re: DISPATCH Virtual Meeting

[Bron Gondwana <[e-mail]>]

We've been having a lot of luck with Antlion modmic - they stick onto any headphones (I'm using Senheiser wired headphones).

Bron.

On Thu, Mar 26, 2020, at 05:37, Adam Roach wrote:
> On 3/25/2020 11:16 AM, Deen, Glenn (NBCUniversal) wrote:
>> It would be helpful if we could identify particular brands/models of microphones that work really well and share that info.
> 

> Mozilla has a lot of folks who work from home, and so a pretty good collection of information on this front. Copying some relevant tips below. (I'm keeping the camera-related information for folks looking for general-purpose WFH setup advice.)

> /a

> 

> 
> 
> *Good*
> *Better*
> **

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> *Speakerphones*

> 
> 
> 
> *Make Model *
> Sennheiser SP 10 Series <https://www.eposaudio.com/en/us/enterprise/products/sp-10-4e7b108d-speakerphone-506047>
> Yamaha YVC-200 <https://uc.yamaha.com/insights/press-releases/2018/september/yamaha-yvc-200-portable-usb-bluetooth%C2%AE-speakerphon/>
> *Benefits*
>  * Easy to use - Plug 'n Play
>  * Good audio quality
>  * Echo cancellation
>  * Portable
>  * 2-in-1 Microphone and Speaker
>  * Good for 1 person
>  * Easy to use - Plug 'n Play
>  * 360 High-quality audio
>  * 10 hour battery
>  * Portable
>  * 2-in-1
>  * Good for larger groups
> *Connects with*
>  * USB
>  * USB
>  * Bluetooth
> *Cost*
> ~$100.00
> ~$190.00
> *Where to buy*
> Amazon <https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-506049-Sound-Enhanced-User-Friendly-Connection/dp/B00K2RQ94C/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=sennheiser+sp10&qid=1584147234&sr=8-1>

> Amazon <https://www.amazon.com/YAMAHA-UNIFIED-COMMUNICATIONS-YVC-200-Portable/dp/B07HM71RT4?th=1>
> 
> 

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> *Microphones*

> 
> 
> 
> *Make Model *
> Yeti Nano <https://www.bluedesigns.com/products/yeti-nano/>
> Yeti X <https://www.bluedesigns.com/products/yeti-x/>
> *Benefits*
>  * Exceptionally clear microphone quality
>  * Easy to use - Plug 'n Play
>  * Reasonably priced
>  * Small hardware footprint
>  * Good for single person
>  * Good for multiple speakers
>  * Best microphone quality
>  * Easy to use - Plug 'n Play
>  * Reasonably priced
>  * Small hardware footprint
>  * Good for single or multiple presenters
>  * Live audio meter
> 
> *Connects with*
>  * USB
>  * USB
> *Cost*
> ~$100.00
> ~$169.00
> *Where to buy*
> Amazon <https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QLNYBG9/ref=twister_B07YXQ6RVY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1>
> Amazon <https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Condenser-Microphone-Streaming-Podcasting/dp/B07QKQJL17/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=yeti+x&qid=1584144878&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-2>
> 
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> 

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> **

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> *Headphones*

> 
> 
> 
> *Make Model*
> Cowin E7 <https://www.cowinaudio.com/collections/noise-cancelling-headphone/products/cowin-e7-noise-cancelling-headphone>
> Sony WH1000XM3 <https://www.sony.com.sg/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm3>
> *Benefits*
>  * Built-in-mic
>  * Noise cancelling
>  * Good audio quality
>  * ~30 hour battery
>  * Good comfort
>  * Built-in microphone
>  * Exceptional price for noise cancelling headphones
> 
>  * Built-in-mic
>  * All day comfort - extremely soft and light with plenty of ear space
>  * Highest quality audio
>  * Adaptive audio
>  * Amazing noise cancellation
>  * ~30 hour battery
>  * Robust and portable
>  * Fast charge battery
> *Connects with*
>  * Bluetooth
>  * 3.5mm
>  * Bluetooth
>  * 3.5mm
> *Cost*
> ~$59.00
> ~$350.00 (On sale for $278.00 on Amazon as of 2020.03.13)
> *Where to buy*
> Amazon <https://www.amazon.com/Cancelling-Headphones-Bluetooth-Microphone-Comfortable/dp/B019U00D7K/ref=sxin_3_ac_d_pm?ac_md=3-2-QmV0d2VlbiAkNTAgYW5kICQxMDA%3D-ac_d_pm&crid=1RZS2X24INIEE&cv_ct_cx=bluetooth+headphones+over+ear&dchild=1&keywords=bluetooth+headphones+over+ear&pd_rd_i=B019U00D7K&pd_rd_r=dba01f0f-f92c-4110-b575-831f4b2d3891&pd_rd_w=nCy1V&pd_rd_wg=W90Gp&pf_rd_p=0e223c60-bcf8-4663-98f3-da892fbd4372&pf_rd_r=NXMVY4FRF6AMAGRD56KT&psc=1&qid=1584145649&sprefix=bluetooth+headphones%2Caps%2C210>
> Amazon <https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Noise-Cancelling-Headphones-WH1000XM3/dp/B07G4MNFS1/ref=sr_1_3?crid=NIOD6YQH2RYL&dchild=1&keywords=sony+wh-1000xm3&qid=1584146299&s=electronics&sprefix=sony%2Celectronics%2C194&sr=1-3>
> 
> 
> 
> 
> *Make Model*
> * *Jabra Elite 85h <https://www.jabra.com/bluetooth-headsets/jabra-elite-85h>

> Sennheiser MB 360 Series <https://www.eposaudio.com/en/us/enterprise/products/mb-360-uc-noise-cancelling-bluetooth-headset-508362>

> *Benefits*
>  * Built-in-mic
>  * Good comfort
>  * Good audio quality
>  * Adaptive audio
>  * Good noise cancellation
>  * ~35 hour battery
>  * Built in microphone
>  * Built-in-mic
>  * Amazing audio quality
>  * Active noise cancellation
>  * Great and soft comfort
>  * ~25 hour battery
>  * Robust and portable
>  * Good price for high-end solution
> *Connects with*
>  * Bluetooth
>  * 3.5mm
>  * Bluetooth
>  * 3.5mm
> *Cost*
> ~$240.00
> ~$190.00
> *Where to buy*
> Amazon <https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RQ366VK/ref=psdc_12097479011_t1_B08126K4BL>
> Amazon <https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-360-508362-Dual-Connectivity-Communications/dp/B07NQY49KV/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Sennheiser+MB+360+Series&qid=1584148787&sr=8-1-fkmr1>
> 
> 

> 

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> *Cameras*

> **
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> *Make Model*
> Logitech <https://www.logitech.com/en-hk/product/hd-pro-webcam-c920#specification-tabular> C920 <https://www.logitech.com/en-hk/product/hd-pro-webcam-c920#specification-tabular>
> Logitech C930e <https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/c930e-webcam>
> *Benefits*
>  * High resolution with a 78° field of view
>  * Good quality video feed with decent light correction
>  * Portable and mounts to most display surfaces
>  * Built-in decent quality microphone (better than laptop microphone)
>  * High resolution with a 90° wide-angle field of view
>  * Higher quality video feed
>  * Controllable Zoom
>  * Portable and mounts to most display surfaces
>  * Built-in decent quality microphone (better than laptop microphone)
> *Connects with*
>  * USB
>  * USB
> *Cost*
> ~$85.00
> $150.00
> *Where to buy*
> Amazon <https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Widescreen-Calling-Recording-Desktop/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=logitech%2Bc920&qid=1584150114&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rnid=2470954011&rps=1&sr=8-2&th=1>
> Amazon <https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-C930e-1080P-Video-Webcam/dp/B00CRJWW2G/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=logitech+c930&qid=1584150201&sr=8-2>
> **

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> *Lights*

> 
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> *Make Model*
> UBeesize 8" LED Ring 
> TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp
> *Benefits*
>  * USB Powered
>  * 3 color lighting modes: Warm Light (3000K), Cool White (4500K), and Day Light (6000K)
>  * 11 levels of brightness
>  * Includes tripod stand
>  * 5 lighting modes
>  * 7 levels of brightness
>  * Light head rotates 90°. Light body tilts up to 135°.
>  * USB charging port
>  * Touch control integrated onto the base.
> *Connects with*
>  * USB Powered
>  * DC 100 V-240 V
> *Cost*
> ~$45.00
> ~$30.00
> *Where to buy*
> Amazon <https://www.amazon.com/UBeesize-Ringlight-YouTube-Photography-Compatible/dp/B07GDC39Y2>
> Amazon <https://www.amazon.com/TaoTronics-Eye-caring-Dimmable-Brightness-Licensing/dp/B00VUTAFR8/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=desktop+led+lamp&qid=1584236351&sr=8-4>
> 

> From another, community-sourced document:

> Headphones

>  * Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones work well with Macs

>    * Cowin E7’s also work well and cost a LOT less

>    * Occasional Bluetooth disconnect

>  * Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH1000XM3

>  * Although Apple’s wired earbuds are pretty bad for videoconferencing, the AirPods work very well.

>    * I video conference often with people that use Airbuds, and they often have “voiping” issues

>  * Sennheiser as a brand have been reliable and maintainable

>    * At least the HD380, HD589, HD650 have replaceable standard cables

>    * HD380 have some Bluetooth quality issues (sound quality, pairing)

>    * PXC-550 - Bluetooth, noise-cancelling, 3-mic array, with great sound, great battery life, and can optionally use wired audio, includes 2-prong airline adapter. (My go to travel headphones - eolson)

>  * My bose nc 700 are usb c and I like them. A few minor annoyances so far with them and linux, and there have been privacy concerns from some about the Bose app (which I use on my phone)

>  * I have a Jabra evolve 65 set and they've been great. _https://www.jabra.com/business/office-headsets/jabra-evolve/jabra-evolve-65#/#6599-823-309_

>  * Cowin E7’s are great for all-day/every-day video calls and they work beautifully, very comfortable and superb voice quality. ~$80

> Lighting

> Lighting can be tricky, and if you don’t have natural light, or insufficient exposure in front of your face, you’ll basically look like someone in witness protection with bright light behind you. One setup that works really well is getting a _“SAD” lamp_ <https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-light-therapy-lamp/> which emulates full spectrum sunlight, and place it behind or above where your monitor is. Bounce the light off the wall/ceiling and you will appear like an anchorperson on the newscast. :)

> 
> Camera

>  * If you use a desktop machine for video conferencing, consider picking up a _Logitech C920_ <http://a.co/d/hgxfudk>

>    * ✅ 1080p resolution, great video quality, hardware h.264 encoding

>    * Available via The Hub

>    * Also useful for a laptop when using an external monitor

>  * You can also use any digital camera with an HDMI output and a _Camlink usb3 adapter_ <https://www.elgato.com/en/gaming/cam-link-4k>

> 
> Tips & Tricks

>  * Blog post: _Video-conferencing the right way_ <https://j.vehent.org/blog/index.php?post/2017/01/18/Video-conferencing-the-right-way>


--
 Bron Gondwana, CEO, Fastmail Pty Ltd
 [e-mail]